American Buying And Importers

EL PASO, TEX. — I am the chief executive officer of an established Texas-based, U.S.-owned and -operated coat manufacturing company. I am disturbed about the ``ignore America`` attitude of our government and chain store merchandisers. Though American-made goods are excellent quality at competitive prices, imports are flooding the retail markets, taking jobs away from Americans, expanding our trade deficit and increasing unemployment.

One major problem is inept governmental trade planning. Our federal government fails to take action on tariffs and trade restrictions on goods imported into the United States while the importer`s country has, in many instances, strict protectionist trade restrictions. Our government gives foreign aid to these countries to help them economically. At the same time, these countries give their industries assistance and other subsidies to help sell and market their products in America. They take our money, technology and raw materials, use it to make products and sell the products back to us in direct competition with us. Finally, some foreign governments encourage vertical ownership (for example single ownership of the ranches, cattle, tannery, factory and shipping) to reduce prices while our antitrust laws discourage businesses from trying to get the best prices to the consumer.

Second, American chain stores, retailers and merchandisers are easy prey for importers. Quality American made goods are ignored because of personal incentives to the mass merchandisers. How can American manufacturers compete with all-expense-paid trips to the Orients or Europe by foreigners who are enticing buyers? Importers ``convince`` merchandisers to give large orders a year in advance, enabling importers to give better prices since they get better discounts on big quality purchases of materials and can limit production to single items, reducing design and production costs. The merchandisers then give token orders to U.S. manufacturers when they need immediate delivery on the lastest styles or fill-ins. As a result, U.S. products appear more expensive. If only we were given equal opportunities by our fellow Americans.

I believe the time is now for Americans to help Americans first. Each day when you buy an item, remember to buy American. Remind your elected officials who pays the taxes and user fees they send off overseas. Just because it`s

``made in Korea, Italy, Germany, Japan, France, Hong Kong or Taiwan``

doesn`t mean its better.

We make a better coat at a lower price than you can find from importers. We have better delivery and we hire Americans. What do we Americans have to do to sell to Americans?